FOIA Request to City of Watseka regarding a list of city employees on August 21, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Kankakee Times to the City of Watseka on August 21, 2025. The request seeks a comprehensive list of all city employees with specific details including full name, sex, race, job title, department or division, annual salary or hourly rate if applicable, and hire/start date. The information is requested in an electronic format for ease of access and reporting.
The request is made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. As part of their role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable, Kankakee Times emphasizes the importance of accessing public records to fulfill their journalistic duties. The media organization also requests a fee waiver due to their status as a member of the media.
Kankakee Times is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This coalition assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. Their mission is to promote transparency and inform the American electorate about government actions. More information about this coalition can be found on their website here.
In Illinois, pet owners must have a license for certain pets, like dogs, and comply with state and local regulations. These licenses are defined in the Illinois Animal Welfare Act and must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Rules. The pet license typically involves a fee and must be renewed periodically. Licensing supports animal control and health programs and helps ensure that pets have the correct vaccinations, especially against deadly and highly contagious diseases like rabies.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
